Train at the world's first crime academy! Laugh-out-loud stories from the bestselling author of HORRIBLE HISTORIES. 2 books in 1! Want to rob the rich and give to the poor? Worried about getting caught? Then why not train at the world's first crime academy! Book 1: Classes in Kidnapping Book 2: Safecracking for Students
Winner of a 2020-2021 New York City Book Award In a rapidly changing New York, two forces battled for the city's soul: the pro-slavery New Yorkers who kept the illegal slave trade alive and well, and the abolitionists fighting for freedom. We often think of slavery as a southern phenomenon, far removed from the booming cities of the North. But even though slavery had been outlawed in Gotham by the 1830s, Black New Yorkers were not safe. Not only was the city built on the backs of slaves; it was essential in keeping slavery and the slave trade alive. In The Kidnapping Club, historian Jonathan Daniel Wells tells the story of the powerful network of judges, lawyers, and police officers who circumvented anti-slavery laws by sanctioning the kidnapping of free and fugitive African Americans. Nicknamed "The New York Kidnapping Club," the group had the tacit support of institutions from Wall Street to Tammany Hall whose wealth depended on the Southern slave and cotton trade. But a small cohort of abolitionists, including Black journalist David Ruggles, organized tirelessly for the rights of Black New Yorkers, often risking their lives in the process. Taking readers into the bustling streets and ports of America's great Northern metropolis, The Kidnapping Club is a dramatic account of the ties between slavery and capitalism, the deeply corrupt roots of policing, and the strength of Black activism.
Surviving Kidnappers is a detailed guide from conflict expert Olav Ofstad which takes readers through the process of kidnap survival, guiding them through the critical steps from assault through captivity to freedom. What would you do if you were kidnapped? Starting with the assault, this book explains the mindset required to stay calm and make intelligent decisions. Moving on to the often gruelling transportation phase, advice is offered on how to brave it and pick up on crucial information. For the phase of captivity this book offers practical advice as well as mental activities that can reduce the risk of being traumatised. The author identifies closely with you as the reader, explaining in simple terms the practical application of social psychology, influencing the captor to your advantage and relating to angry and violent kidnappers. Protection tools and how to apply ‘diplomacy’ if violence occurs are presented.
From the bestselling author of the Horrible Histories series comes this fantastic, hilarious new series! The doors to Wildpool's first workhouse are now open and Mr and Mrs Humble run it with an iron fist. So much so, the poor would rather be back on the streets! With the help of a few disguises, a lesson in ransom notes and-most importantly-a hostage, Master Crook's Crime Academy's students are ready for another adventure.
A look at the history of child kidnappings and abductions in the United States, the motives of the perpetrators, the activities of the media, and the results in the law and in public opinions.
In 1976 in Chowchilla, California, three men kidnapped twenty-six children and their driver from a school bus, drove them a hundred miles away to a rock quarry, forced them into a moving van, and then buried them alive. Miraculously, many hours later, two older children dug themselves out, helping everyone escape to freedom. Six-year-old Larry Park was one of those victims, and this is his story. Larry survived this horrific ordeal, but he's never been the same. He's spent nearly four decades battling mental illness, severe anxiety, drug addiction, and rage issues. He was diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder and has even contemplated suicide. But in this poignantly honest memoir, Park shares his tale in the hope of finally slaying his demons and putting his past to rest. Will Larry quell the voices in his head and the rage in his heart? Will he channel his hard-won knowledge into helping himself and millions of others suffering in the aftermath of trauma? And most importantly, will Larry make his peace with God? Dive into one incredible true-life story behind the Chowchilla kidnapping, and revel in the tenacity of the human spirit in the face of the evil of this world.
Matt is missing. Bonnie's brother left his classroom to use thebathroom —and disappeared. A police dog traces his scent to the curb, where he apparently got into a vehicle. But why would Matt go anywhere with a stranger? Overwhelmed with fear, Bonnie discovers that her dog is gone, too. Was Pookie used as a lure for Matt? Bonnie makes one big mistake in her attempt to find her brother. In a chilling climax on a Washington State ferry, Bonnie and Matt must outsmart their abductor or pay with their lives.
A teen is snatched outside her kung fu class and must figure out how to escape—and rescue another kidnapped victim—in The Girl in the White Van, a chilling YA mystery by New York Times bestselling author April Henry. When Savannah disappears soon after arguing with her mom’s boyfriend, everyone assumes she's run away. The truth is much worse. She’s been kidnapped by a man in a white van who locks her in an old trailer home, far from prying eyes. And worse yet, Savannah’s not alone: ten months earlier, Jenny met the same fate and nearly died trying to escape. Now as the two girls wonder if he will hold them captive forever or kill them, they must join forces to break out—even if it means they die trying. Christy Ottaviano Books
"Tells the story of Steven L. Berk, M.D., who was kidnapped from his home in Amarillo, Texas, in March of 2005. Shows how Berk used his experiences and training as a physician to survive the ordeal and bring his captor to justice"--Provided by publisher.
After sending dozens of innocent people to jail, cruel Judge Fumble decides to rest at his country mansion. But he must ensure that the Fumble fortune remains safe on the journey home... On the other side of town, the students of the world's first crime academy are getting set for another lesson in crime-this time from the greatest highway robber Wildpool has ever seen. Books this funny should be against the law!
